Register of Members

Since 18th November 2025, companies can no longer elect to keep their register of members on the central register at Companies House (CH). They must maintain it internally as a local register.

The full names of all shareholders must be recorded and their addresses. The name must include both forename (rather than initial or abbreviation) and surname. 

A new duty is imposed on members to notify to companies the information required to be included on the register of members (being the member’s full name and service address) and any changes to that information (section 113A Companies Act 2006). Companies will also be able to serve a notice on members requiring them to provide this information (section 113F Companies Act 2006). Failure to supply the information or making a false statement in relation to it will be a criminal offence.

A full list of shareholders (including the number of shares of each class held by that shareholder) will need to be provided with the first annual confirmation statement filed following the implementation of the relevant provision. Companies should ensure that they have all the necessary information and systems in place to comply with the new regime.

Other statutory registers

Since 18th November, there is no longer a requirement for UK companies to maintain a:

• register of directors,
• register of directors’ residential addresses,
• register of secretaries, or
• PSC register.

These statutory registers are abolished and the information they contain will be maintained at and by CH on the central register. They will automatically be updated when a filing is made. Changes to the information contained in each register must be notified to CH within 14 days of an appointment/resignation or change, therefore the onus is on companies individually to notify CH of any changes to the details of directors and PSCs. This increases the importance of making timely and accurate filings with CH. Companies should check their current internal records against information held at CH and make any filings necessary to correct inaccurate information. They may also wish to consider whether, in any event, they still wish to maintain internal records following the abolition of these statutory registers.